James Evers

James Henry Evers, 91, of North Mankato and formerly of Saint James, died December 10, 2025, at the Benedictine Living Community in Saint Peter.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 4:00pm-7 :00pm, at Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. A funeral service will be held at Saint Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in the spring with burial at Mount Hope Cemetery in Saint James. The family prefers memorials be given to Peace Lutheran Church in North Mankato or Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in New Ulm. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Jim was born June 6, 1934, to Fred and Violet (Johnson) Evers in rural Butterfield, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in the area. In 1954, he enlisted in the US Army National Guard and served until 1960. On September 6, 1958, Jim married Lila Kettner at Saint Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Saint James. Together, they raised three children.

Jim was a lifelong farmer and was also a Pioneer Seed dealer for many years. He was a proud member of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church. He helped build the church and served on many committees throughout the years. Jim also served on the ASCS Board and the Watonwan County Fair board. He was a commander of the American Legion in Saint James, assisted with honor guard, served on the Yellow Ribbon committee, drove vets in the vet van, and volunteered for the Legion chicken fry. In his free time, Jim enjoyed playing pool at the Band Box, being a part of a 500 card club in which he and friends kept going for over 50 years, collecting Snoopy, glass shoes, and many antiques, and going to and watching sporting events.

Jim is survived by his children, Layne (Sara) Evers of St. Peter, Jeff (Tina) Evers of Fremont, North Carolina, and Julie Evers of Owatonna; grandchildren, Brandon (Jodi) Evers, Michael Evers(special friend, Destiny Pittman), Christian (Abby) Evers, Ashley (Merritt) Rysavy, Kylee (Brian) Caldwell, Paige (Kenneth) Higginbotham, Bailey (Kevin) Williams, and Samantha Jo (special friend, Jackson Roll) Fredin; great grandchildren, Colten, Ella, Mason, Ethan, Kinley, Mercer, Connor, Aria, Miles, Bennett, Caleb, Baby Girl Rysavy, Jaden, Riley, Halie, Levi, Olivia, Ellie Mae, and Tabor; sister, Betty (Dwight) Kuehl; nephews, Eric (Erin) Kuehl, and Matthew (Sherif Desouky) Kuehl; and nieces, Vanessa Kettner, Lori Kettner, and Emily (Dan) Norland.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Lila Mae; parents, Fred and Violet; parents-in-law, Emil and Clara; brother, George (Beverly) Evers; and nephews, Dale Kettner and Terry Kettner.